Hey there, fashion lovers! It’s your girl Aria Garde, and today we’re tackling a topic that’s been making waves in the fashion world—cultural appropriation vs. appreciation. Fashion has always been influenced by different cultures, but there’s a fine line between borrowing inspiration and misappropriating elements that hold deep meaning for certain communities. So, how do we navigate this complex landscape while celebrating diversity in style? Let’s break it down.

What is Cultural Appropriation in Fashion?
Cultural appropriation occurs when elements of a minority culture—such as clothing, symbols, or hairstyles—are taken and used by individuals from a dominant culture, often without understanding or respecting the original context. In fashion, this can look like designers or brands using traditional garments, prints, or accessories from specific cultures and turning them into trendy pieces without acknowledging the culture they originated from.
- Why It’s Harmful: When a culture’s sacred or significant elements are turned into fashion statements without respect, it can feel exploitative. This often strips the original meaning from the item and reduces it to a fleeting trend. Meanwhile, people from the culture being appropriated may face discrimination or marginalization for wearing the same items in their everyday lives.

Cultural Appreciation: How to Do It Right
Cultural appreciation, on the other hand, involves learning about, understanding, and showing genuine respect for the culture from which inspiration is drawn. In fashion, this means celebrating and honoring different cultures through collaboration, education, and giving credit where it’s due.
- What It Looks Like: If you love a certain cultural style—whether it’s African prints, Indigenous jewelry, or Asian-inspired garments—take the time to understand the history and significance behind the pieces. Support brands or designers from those communities or engage in collaborations that uplift the original creators.
- Why It Works: When done respectfully, cultural appreciation fosters a sense of connection and respect between different communities. It allows fashion to be a space where diversity is celebrated and cultures are shared in an authentic and meaningful way.
Key Examples of Cultural Appropriation in Fashion

Fashion is no stranger to controversy when it comes to cultural appropriation. Let’s take a look at a few high-profile examples that highlight why this issue needs more attention:
- Native American Headdresses on Runways: Many designers have been called out for using sacred Native American headdresses in fashion shows, reducing important cultural symbols to mere accessories.
- Kimono-Inspired Garments: Some brands have been criticized for using the kimono—a traditional Japanese garment—without respecting its cultural significance or acknowledging its origins.
- Bindis as Festival Fashion: Bindis, which hold deep religious and cultural significance in South Asian cultures, have often been worn as decorative accessories at music festivals, stripping them of their meaning.
How to Avoid Cultural Appropriation in Your Wardrobe
So, how can you appreciate different cultures through fashion without crossing the line into appropriation? Here are some tips:

- Do Your Research: If you’re drawn to a particular style, take the time to learn about the culture behind it. Understanding the history and significance of certain garments or patterns can help you make more informed and respectful fashion choices.
- Support Authentic Brands: Instead of buying mass-produced items inspired by other cultures, seek out designers or artisans from those cultures. This not only ensures that you’re wearing something authentic but also supports the community directly.
- Avoid Sacred or Religious Symbols: Be mindful of wearing items with religious or spiritual significance if you are not part of that culture. These symbols often hold deep meaning and should be respected as such.
- Celebrate, Don’t Steal: If you admire a particular culture’s style, find ways to celebrate it without appropriating it. This could involve sharing the story behind the item or acknowledging its cultural roots when you wear it.
Why Brands Need to Be Accountable
Fashion brands have a huge responsibility when it comes to cultural appropriation. With global influence, brands can either perpetuate harmful practices or become leaders in celebrating cultural diversity in the right way. The key is transparency, collaboration, and giving credit to the cultures that inspire their designs.
- What Brands Can Do: Brands should engage in meaningful collaborations with designers and artisans from the cultures they want to showcase. They should also educate their consumers about the origins and significance of the pieces they’re selling. o0psty, for example, is known for working with artisans globally, ensuring that cultural elements are respected and that creators are credited and compensated fairly.
Wrapping It Up in Style
Fashion is an incredible way to express ourselves and connect with the world around us, but it’s important that we do so in a way that respects and honors the cultures we admire. By understanding the difference between cultural appropriation and appreciation, we can ensure that fashion remains a celebration of diversity, not a tool of exploitation. So the next time you’re inspired by a beautiful cultural piece, take a moment to ask yourself: am I appreciating or appropriating?
Until next time, stay stylish, stay thoughtful, and let’s keep the conversation going about how we can use fashion as a force for good.
Xo, Aria